Good People Brown Ale

July 1, 2011Birmingham, AL

Reviewers: Lew Bryson

Good People Brewing Co.
Birmingham, AL

Available: AL

Good People Brewing Co. started production in 2008. Year round offerings include an American brown ale, American pale ale, IPA, coffee oatmeal stout, and a double IPA called Snake Handler. The IPA and brown ale have the distinction of being the first craft beers canned in the Deep South.

ABV: 5.6ABW: 4.4Bitterness: 31Original gravity: 1061

A good pour from the can, with plenty of solid foam; I like to see that. Aromas of dark wheat bread and a light dusting of cocoa are piquing my interest. This is “a drinkin’ beer,” I think; tastes good and fresh, not too big, not too wimpy ― there’s a building bitterness in the back of my palate ― and won’t dominate a conversation…but it won’t get let out of one, either. Good stuff for the evolving Southern beer market.- Lew Bryson

I love that the top of the can of this ale specifies that it has been “legally brewed since 2008.” The aroma is soft, though appealing in its chocolate cookie character, dried slightly with a whiff of pipe tobacco. On the palate, the start speaks to dark chocolate, leading to a slightly creamy mix of toasted grain, nutty hop and cocoa, finishing with a dry, moderate bitterness backed by gentle notes of burnt toast. A couple of cans of this and a charcoal-grilled hamburger and I’ll be happy.- Stephen Beaumont

Lew BrysonLew Bryson writes about beer and whiskey from his home in southeast Pennsylvania. He has a family and two dogs. That's all you need to know.

Stephen BeaumontOnce described as “beerdom's Brillat-Savarin,” Stephen Beaumont is the author of five books and countless articles on beer, spirits, food, travel, and how it all goes together.